AROUND SOUTH AMERICA

Departures

There is no better way to explore the wonders of Patagonia than in the gracious comfort of the ms VEENDAM, one of the world’s finest cruise ships. For 2010, we have arranged for an extended stay in Argentina and an included visit to IGUAZU FALLS, definitely one of the wonders of the natural world. Embarking in Buenos Aires, we can settle into our stateroom and sit back as we voyage to one of the most remote regions of the world!

Patagonia is the southern tip of the Americas, a region of unsurpassed beauty where mountains rise directly from the sea, a region that abounds in unusual flora and fauna, a region of hearty settlers who, for over a century, have survived the harsh winters to enjoy the short pleasant summers. On board highlights for this special Explorer Cruise include the Flagship Forum lectures, folkloric entertainment, regional cuisine and more.

By combining special group rates with our own flights and land arrangements, we are able to ensure the best possible value, especially as our prices include your return airfare, the excursion to Iguazu Falls, stays in Buenos Aires and Santiago, shipboard gratuities, taxes and a complete insurance package.

Space on this cruise is limited. We urge you to enroll early for best cabin choice!

Itinerary

February 7, Sunday: DEPART CANADA
Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the overnight Air Canada flight to Buenos Aires.

February 8, Monday: BUENOS AIRES
Arriving Buenos Aires, we are met and transferred to the Hotel de las Americas or similar (2 nights). The heart and soul of Argentina, Buenos Aires is the political, economic and cultural capital. Here we feel the influence of Europe, with its grand buildings and broad avenues. Balance of day at leisure until our Welcome Dinner this evening.
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February 9, Tuesday: BUENOS AIRES
Our morning tour will take us along the Avenida 9 de Julio, the world's widest avenue, to the lavish Theatre Colon and the historic Plaza de Mayo. Discover the colourful buildings of La Boca and a rather unique antique market in San Telmo. Afternoon at leisure to stroll the pedestrian Calle Florida and to enjoy a sidewalk cafe. This evening we are in for a real treat, a magnificent steak dinner and tango show.
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February 10, Wednesday: IGUAZU FALLS
Today we fly north to one of the world's greatest natural wonders, Iguazu Falls. Shared by Argentina and Brazil, these magnificent cascades are 50% wider than Niagara Falls and fall some 260 feet. The aptly named Devil's Throat is the largest of the 275 cascades that make up the falls. We shall have ample time in the area with included sightseeing to see the falls from a number of vantage points. We will overnight at the beautiful Sheraton Hotel Iguazu (1 night) with views of the falls from the front of the hotel.
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February 11, Thursday: BUENOS AIRES / EMBARK
Today we fly back to Buenos Aires where we will be met and transferred to the pier where we will embark on the ms Veendam, our home for the 12 nights. After settling in, we sail across the mouth of the River Platt this evening. Sail 9:00pm
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February 12, Friday: MONTEVIDEO
Montevideo, Uruguay's capital, is a sleepy town known for its colonial architecture and gentle lifestyles. Playa Indepencia is the city's grandest square and you might enjoy an excellent view from the City Hall's observation platform. Arrive 8:00am / Sail 6:00pm
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February 13 / 14, Saturday / Sunday: CRUISING
Enjoy two days at sea with ample opportunity to take advantage of the many shipboard activities, to stroll the deck and to mingle with new found friends. BLD daily
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February 15, Monday: FALKLAND ISLANDS*
A group of some 200 islands, the Falklands are a British Crown Colony that made the headlines during Argentina's attempted invasion in 1982. Today the island's 2,000 residents are once again involved in fishing and sheep farming. The islands are known for excellent bird watching and beautiful natural settings. Arrive 8:00am / Sail 4:00pm. (* Weather permitting)
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February 16, Tuesday: CAPE HORN
A truly unique experience awaits us later today (between 5:00pm and 8:00pm) as we sail around Cape Horn, the southern most tip of the Americas, where the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific meet.
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February 17, Wednesday: USHUAIA
At Ushuaia, the most southern city in the world, we can visit the nearby national park or take a small boat cruise along the narrow Beagle Channel to see the island homes of sea lions, fur seals and cormorant colonies. In the afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising as we continue along the Beagle and Cockburn Channels passing close by the Italia, Francia, Alemania and Romanche Glaciers. Arrive 7:00am / Sail 3:00pm
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February 18, Thursday: PUNTA ARENAS
Early this morning we enter the Straits of Magellan and sail to Punta Arenas. Chile's southern base is a thriving port and centre to a vast sheep farming area. There are a number of interesting museums, relating to the ancient and recent history of the region or we can join an optional flight south over Antarctica. Later this evening we cruise the Straits of Magellan. Arrive 7:00am / Sail 8:00pm
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February 19 / 20, Friday / Saturday: CHILEAN FJORDS
The next two days will be spent cruising the narrows and channels of the rugged Chilean Fjords. Here, the forest-clad mountains rise steeply from the sea, islands stand in isolated glory and man has only begun to discover the region's magical beauty. Highlights will include the unearthly beauty of Seno Eyre Fjord, Isla Saumarez, Canal Sarmiento, Amalia Glacier and the Darwin Channel. BLD daily
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February 21, Sunday: PUERTO MONTT
Gateway to the Chilean Lake District, the country around Puerto Montt, with its jagged peaks and quaint villages, resembles areas in the Swiss Alps. Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm
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February 22, Monday: CRUISING
Enjoy a final day at leisure as we follow the Chilean coastline. What a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the excitement of the past two weeks with new found friends.
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February 23, Tuesday: VALPARAISO / SANTIAGO
Disembarking this morning, we are taken on an exploration of the port of Valparaiso and the neighbouring seaside resort of Vina del Mar where we have lunch at Chez Gerald (or similar). Continue into the nation’s capital, Santiago where we spend the night at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, ideally located in the city centre. Arrive 7:00am & Disembark
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February 24, Wednesday: SANTIAGO
Enjoy a free morning in Santiago. This afternoon we will take a tour of the city followed by a visit to Concha y Toro, one of the largest and best known wineries in the world. Following an early dinner we catch our overnight flight to Toronto.
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February 25, Thursday: CANADA
Tour members continue to their homes across Canada.

Above prices are per person based on sharing the cabin category chosen and include all the applicable Inclusive Features. Cruise only price is based on joining at the hotel in Buenos Aires and leaving at the airport in Santiago. See Deck Plan for full details on various categories available.

Single passengers can book to share on the cruise in categories ‘K’ (inside) or ‘E’ (outside) at special supplements which include single rooms at hotels or pay a single supplement of 50% of the cruise only rate in any cabin category, excluding suites. Many cabins can accommodate 3 or 4 people. Bedding in all cabins can be either twin beds or large queen bed.

Shore excursions are not included in your cruise cost, allowing you the freedom to choose from the optional tours that will be offered in each port. Craig Travel will arrange special excursions for our group provided we have sufficient numbers enrolled on the cruise. Otherwise excursions will be available for purchase through the cruise line. Full details on cost, etc, will be available online or will be sent with your final documents.

Our escort will accompany this cruise with a minimum of twenty members travelling.

CT RATING TWO – this cruise includes a land component in Argentina that may involve difficult walking conditions – otherwise the cruise is suitable to all passengers who meet our basic criteria for group travel. Members should be aware that optional excursions will often involve travel in remote regions under difficult conditions.

Your cruise price and deposit includes comprehensive insurance cost of $285 – $395 pp for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any booking prior to October 6, 2009 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50pp – this fee will not be covered by our insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment will be due on November 5, 2009.

AIR ONLY (CDN$/person)

Note: above rates are for AIR PACKAGE ONLY. See below for a list of cruise rates in various categories.

Airfares include the current cost for flights, all related taxes and fees, insurance coverage, airport transfers in Buenos Aires and Santiago plus airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value. Airfares are subject to adjustment resulting from changes in taxes, fees and fuel surcharges.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $950 per person to Craig Travel's office.